The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Oguejiofo T. Ujam, has called for a strategic collaboration between the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and higher institutions in the region to address critical developmental challenges.
Speaking at a special reception hosted by billionaire businessman Prince Arthur Eze in Enugu, Prof. Ujam emphasized the urgent need to tackle pressing issues such as erosion, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits through innovative partnerships.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing the SEDC, calling it a major step toward the long-awaited Reconstruction of the Southeast. Highlighting the region’s challenges—including over 2,500 active erosion sites and a staggering infrastructure gap—he noted that the World Bank estimates Nigeria would need to invest $10 billion annually for the next 30 years to bridge these deficits.
Prof. Ujam urged the SEDC Governing Board, led by Dr. Emeka Wogu, to align its initiatives with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and collaborate with universities to modernize classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and ICT infrastructure, particularly in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Addressing rising insecurity and socio-economic decline in the region, he stressed that a strong partnership between the SEDC and academic institutions could drive sustainable development and stability.
He commended Prince Arthur Eze for creating a platform for engagement with the SEDC and urged the commission to meet the high expectations of Southeastern citizens.
“The UNN and other universities in the region are ready to collaborate with the SEDC to ensure impactful and lasting development,” he stated.
